Archive for November, 2010

As everyone in the world is no doubt aware by now, North Korea launched an attack on Yeonpyeong Island in South Korean territory, supposedly in response to military training exercises. The DPRK claims South Korean forces were firing towards, towards the border; the ROK maintains it was firing west. One marine and two civilians...Read more »

I’ve been getting a little frustrated with teaching lately. Part of the reason is my students’ growing disrespect: – One boy in my blue class actually pulled out a Harry Potter book (in Korean) and started to read in the middle of a lesson. – A gold class student lied right to my face...Read more »

Now that I’ve finally achieved three months of residency, I qualify for health insurance. I should point out to those readers researching life in Korea, this isn’t always the case. If you’re working at a public school, you will receive insurance after registering as an alien. If you’re working as a independent contractor to...Read more »

I was tempted to title this entry “Don’t Touch My Junk”, but decided that’s been overdone. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), under the US Department of Homeland Security, has recently implement new security procedures for travelers flying into the United States: All travelers are required to submit to a full-body scan. If you refuse...Read more »

I’m all for respecting your elders. In Asia, that usually means a slightly longer bow, or letting them board a bus or subway before you rush on. To say nothing of children who continue to live at home and help their parents. People are often surprised when I tell them this: in the west,...Read more »

Today was Peppero (or Bebbero) Day in Korea, 뺴뺴로. What is it, you may ask? Well, 11/11, with all those 1’s, vaguely resembles sticks of chocolate. As a result, gifts of Lotte Bebbero are not uncommon on this most splendid of days. Well, I did receive my fair share from students. Anyway, I come...Read more »

My own contribution to the xtranormal universe (prompted by this one on being a travel writer). I didn’t make one on Japan because I honestly couldn’t think of as many harsh things to say about the ESL system – if anyone comes up with a good one, send it my way.Read more »

I’ve been in Korea almost three months, and that means I, as an independent contractor, now qualify for health insurance and pension payments (not thrilled about the latter). I made it. I could have sworn I’d succumb to some kind of accident or natural disaster by November 7th, but karma is on my side…...Read more »

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